Spring 2011 - To Dragma

fun hats, food, and bright flowers and colors to together. The Jonesboro chapter also hosts a New

replicate Alice in Wonderland. The chapter has also Member Dinner each fall to welcome the newest

hosted an Italian Night where attendees gather at a Sigma Omicron new member class after formal

member’s house, don their aprons and make pizza recruitment, help them get to know each other

together. Other events have included Cupcakes and better, and introduce them to the alumnae early in

Cocktails, holiday parties, bunco parties, and wine their AOII experience.

and cheese parties, among countless other themes.

They enjoy an attendance of

anywhere between 10 and “We always make the
30 members at each event,

sometimes more at their more events funand different,
formal, yearly events.

Two of those special and and strive toshow them
popular yearly events for this the benefits ofalumna
chapter are centered on their membership.”
support of Sigma Omicron.
In April, the Jonesboro

alumnae members hold a senior

induction event to formally

welcome seniors of Sigma

Omicron who are expected to

become alumnae members that

spring. The alumnae chapter

performs Ritual with these

senior members and then holds a themed reception

for alumnae and collegians to celebrate the next

phase in their AOII membership. This year’s

induction reception is themed with ‘A Roaring

Good Time,’ sporting a jungle motif with the

goal of showing the youngest and newest alumnae

members how much fun this alumnae group has

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 51

profile

Jonesboro alumnae and Sigma Omicron collegians with Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe at ASU’s 2010 Homecoming.

“We make our events fun and In addition to stories about chapter events and
different, and strive to show them happenings posted on the blog, Jonesboro also
the benefits of alumna membership,” spotlights notable things many AOII’s are up
Lindsay said. “Involvement with the to in the community to show appreciation for
collegiate chapter is helping grow such a diverse and dedicated group of women,
the number of younger members we and to showcase the talents of our members.
have each year.” Most recently, alumnae member Emily Nolan,
Sigma Omicron, modeled for Eco-Beautiful
Overall, the chapter believes that Weddings.com, an online magazine based out
coordinating events and holding of Washington, D.C. – Emily was an alumnae
informal meetings every single month initiate as part of the special alumnae initiation
is the key to success. Keeping the event Sigma Omicron held in April of 2010.
chapter current and active provides the
option to see sisters regularly, gives the Lindsay credits much of the chapter’s success
women something to look forward to to outstanding and dedicated alumnae chapter
and keeps members interested officers and an extremely active base of members
throughout the year. who all value the growth of the chapter and its
impact on the collegians and local community.
“We’ve noticed that most women who join an “Someone is always willing to host an event at
alumnae chapter are those who were most active her house,” Lindsay said. “Without this group of
as collegians. We always volunteer during Sigma members and the time they give to making each
Omicron’s recruitment, host their Homecoming event a success, we would not be where we are
tailgate, provide scholarships and recognition, and right now!”
otherwise make the girls feel loved and cared for,
which strengthens the relationship and puts the
alumnae chapter on their radar,” Lindsay said.

52 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

AlumnaeNews

Spending Time Together

How do you spend your time? When you need time with friends, is there any
better friend than a sister? Learn how some of our alumnae chapters choose
to spend their time. If you are not already involved in a chapter, visit the AOII
website and get in touch with an AOII alumnae chapter near you.

Arkansas British Columbia

Jonesboro Vancouver

The Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter has been Our chapter has been waiting a long time to be this
extremely busy.We held a fun event/meeting excited about the recolonization of Beta Kappa at UBC.
every month since last August. One of our best We even held our rst meeting of the year in the AOII
events was November’s “Alphabet Potluck”. chapter room on campus After seeing the emptiness of
Everyone who RSVP’d to the event was given the room, we voted on gifting to the new colony a TV.
a letter of the alphabet.With that letter the
member sent in a recipe to be compiled into an
A-Z cookbook and
brought the dish to
the event.We had
so many wonderful
dishes that it was a
little bit overwhelming.
We were also honored
to have representatives
for the Fraternity and
the Foundation spend
time with our chapter.
It was a wonderful
evening of sisterhood.

Jonesboro Alumnae enjoy time To Dragma • 53
together at a Potluck Event

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

AlumnaeNews

California San Jose Alumnae gather for a Spring Luncheon at the home of Jeannie Apostole-Holden.

Palo Alto hoping to make the sisterhood ball game boutique. In addition, each meeting has a
a chapter tradition - especially now that fun theme, like dressing in costume with
We are looking forward to a busy they are World Series Champions! prizes awarded for October.We treated
spring. This past fall we have ourselves to a summer lunch at a trendy
enjoyed sisterhood time hosting an San Jose Orange County restaurant at South
ice cream social with Delta Sigma Coast Plaza. In September we spiced up
(San Jose State), a fun evening San Jose alumnae kept themselves busy our recruitment luncheon by turning it
painting pottery and a holiday open this holiday season creating 70 treat bags into a Sunday Tea, complete with scones,
house, where we collected toys for for children in a local homeless shelter beautiful tea pots, and prizes for creative
a local community service agency. and collecting stu ed pandas to donate big hats.Who says meetings have to be
This spring we are looking forward to abused children. We look forward all business?
to Founders’ Day and organizing an to continuing to help our community,
AOII Volunteer Day at the Second participating in the arthritis walk and Ventura County
Harvest Food Bank. We are also continuing to spend time with our
planning a local hike and wine sisters.We try to participate in a formal Ventura County sisterhood is strong
tasting, a Women’s Night Out at a Ritual with Delta Sigma twice a year, and we were especially saddened this
local restaurant and a summer family which inspires alumnae as well as col- past spring by the loss of one of our
BBQ. We are a group of women legians.As part of the devotion to Ritual long-time members, Joni Neckerman.
who enjoy each other and welcome and the collegians, our chapter raises We continue to represent AOII at every
any AOII to join us. Contact Lisa fund to supply Ritual needs for Delta election in our community by sta ng
Shemwell at Lisa_Shemwell@yahoo. Sigma every year. one of the local precincts. Since this is
com for information. also a fund-raiser for us, it makes a long
Southern Orange County day much more enjoyable. We recently
San Fernando Valley supported the Chi Psi Chapter by acting
Southern Orange County Alumnae as hostesses for Ginger Banks’ visit for a
Our members bonded as we o ered know how to Spice It Up. Our fun Ritual workshop, sponsored by Southern
our time to prepare brown bag started with streamlining our business California Council.We added to the
lunches for the women of the meetings, always allowing time for sweetness of the visit by bringing them
local Sigma Phi Chapter (CSU a sisterhood activity, such as making treats for Halloween.And we always
Northridge) on their 2nd day of colorful bows to sell at our yearly enjoy our annual Cookie and Ornament
formal recruitment. This fun event Exchange for Christmas.
allowed us to also meet three of the
chapter’s ve goals for the 2010-11 Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
year, including getting involved with
the collegiate chapter.

San Francisco

Our members wrapped up their
summer by spending time together
at a fun San Francisco baseball game!
The SF AOII chapter even made a
special appearance on the Jumbotron
when the announcer called all the
fans up to dance the Macarena!You
can also bet that we cheered for Pablo
‘The Panda’ Sandoval that day! We’re

54 • To Dragma

Colorado San Francisco Alumnae at their AOII Holiday Brunch and Toy Drive to benefit Toys for Tots.

Denver

Denver alumnae combined our two most popular events for Fall this year, a
wine-tasting and a Christmas party all into one evening of joy and sisterhood.
Our chapter looks forward to many smaller sisterhood gatherings in the spring
and time together at Founders’ Day, which will bring together all of Colorado’s
AOII chapters, with the attendance of Epsilon Gamma and the Rocky
Mountain Alumnae Chapter.

Delaware Florida

Delaware Orlando Area

What an active year for the Delaware AOII Alumnae Last fall was a busy time for us.We entered a
Chapter! We joined the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter Christmas decoration for the Orlando Museum of
for Founders’ Day, with other alumnae and collegiate Art’s “Festival of Trees.” Ti any McIntyre organized
chapters from the surrounding region. It was a lovely our e orts and it sold for over $300 which helps the
luncheon and a great time of sisterhood celebration museum in its community e orts. Marilyn Kastory
in Annapolis. We held our Strike Out Arthritis! event put together our two Thanksgiving baskets for the
with some assistance from technology, in the form of community Basket Brigade.We had a Christmas tea
a Wii Bowling Alley. During the summer, there was and ornament exchange in December followed by
a picnic and a pool party. In August, we met at Unos Founders’ Day with Rollins College’s Mu Lambda
for our business meeting and planned our activities for Chapter in January and our couples dinner in
another busy year for our alumnae chapter in Delaware. February. We are hoping to start a new tradition with
a Derby Day Party in May.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 55

AlumnaeNews

Southern Orange County spiced up our recruitment luncheon by turning it into a Sunday Tea,
complete with scones, beautiful tea pots,and prizes for creative big hats.

Illinois

Lake County of Illinois Chicago South Suburban

We have been very busy! We held our annual Wii Strike We have had a fun- lled year so far! In September, we
Out Arthritis! event this year, and had a bigger turn-out kicked things o by celebrating Ritual. It was great to
than last year. It’s great to spend time with our sisters, start our year with this exciting meeting! In October,
and their families! In September, a few sisters travelled we had our annual murder mystery event, where the
to a local winery where we were able to energize theme included all members dressing up and acting
ourselves by stomping grapes! In November we took a as international athletes in an international athletic
local cooking class and learned how to cook several new competition! Who was the murderer? The gymnast
appetizers.We had a wonderful time at every event! On from Russia, of course! To end 2010, we gathered for a
December 4th we participated in the Chicago Jingle fun time together with a “Tastefully Simple” event and
Bell Run/Walk- Chicago Area AOII Alumnae and our annual holiday party and auction.
friends joined together to surpass our goal.We had 25
team members and raised $1,295.00! Chicago West Suburban

Chicago NW Suburban Our chapter has a lot of fun together all year round.
From game night to in-house movie night, appetizer
Chicago Northwest Suburban members are excited night to our annual ornament exchange, we always
that our adopted collegiate chapter this year is Iota (U enjoy our sisterhood and time together.We are
of Illinois). Our members will help Iota celebrate their dedicated to fund raising and nd that our annual
Centennial in 2011! Our Membership Vice-Presidents, nut sale and garage sale are quite successful.We are an
Stephanie Mete and Kristen Avers, introduced us to eclectic group of women, ranging from twenty-three
Flat Pandas, much like the Flat Stanleys that traveled to ninety-seven years old!! Our members include two
the globe as school projects a long time ago. Our four pairs of biological sisters as well as a sister in Oregon.
Several of our members volunteer for AOII outside our
at pandas, each named for an AOII founder, travels chapter. We always welcome AOII sisters to join us.
with a member to various events. The member adds
photographs and her memories to the Panda and brings
it back to the next meeting. A new fund raiser, our rst
Crockpot Cooko , will encourage local amateur cooks
to come up with their best crockpot recipes as judged
by those in attendance.

56• To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

Chicago Northwest Suburban members, Terry Palmer, Mary Insprucker, and Sue Dunmead

spend time together during the holidays with a picture perfect pose for the camera.
Indiana
Indianapolis Kentucky
Kentuckiana
The Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter participated in
Kentuckiana Alumnae Chapter has chosen to focus on sisterhood
the local Arthritis Foundation’s second annual Bone
Bash. This Halloween-themed party included spooky this year.We are working to reconnect with sisters in the area by

decorations, costume contests, a silent auction, food, contacting every alumna member who resides in the Louisville

music, and games. Many AOIIs volunteered their time metro area and inviting them to become a part of Kentuckiana

to work the event and coordinated the silent auction Alumnae. KAC is also focused on Initiation to Eternity by

table. Everyone dressed up in costumes and participated volunteering our time and e orts to our local collegiate chapter, Pi

in the fun. The event raised over $77,000 this year, nearly Alpha (U of Louisville).

doubling the amount raised last year.

Bloomington-Normal

Bloomington-Normal AC has exciting
events planned this year. In October, we
made Halloween candle holders and in
February 2011 we had a relaxing evening
of pedicures and manicures. Our spring
book club event will include reading
‘Rocket Boys’ by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. and
attending a presentation by astronaut Scott
Altman related to this story. In April we
are making time for a garage sale to raise
money for charitable organizations.

The Bowling Green Alumnae Chapter tapped
into their creative sides at their Playful Picasso event.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 57

AlumnaeNews

Lexington, Ky Alumnae work together at the National Tour Association Convention in Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Montreal, Quebec (left to right): Karla Testerman DiNardo, Delta Pi (Central Missouri State
U) Celeste Duncan Moore, Kappa Omega (U of Kentucky) Stefanie Drury Ashley, Epsilon
Omega (Eastern Kentucky U) and Dana C. Deptola, Kappa Omega (U of Kentucky).

Maryland
Baltimore

This year, we have taken time to recruit new members while
savoring the wisdom and counsel of chapter members who have been
loyal for many years.We said goodbye to some chapter members who
moved away because of family or careers, and some who departed this
earth to go be with God. We miss them all tremendously, and know
that our sisterhood will always bind us. Our holiday meeting
in December remains one of our favorite times to gather; we
create exam care packages for local collegiate chapters and
discuss fund raising ideas for our Jingle Bell Run
team! It is also a time for us to re ect, as a chapter,
on all that AOII has meant to us throughout our
lifetimes.We are so thankful to have each other.

58 • To Dragma

Suburban Maryland Michigan

We had a very busy Fall. At our Welcome Back meeting, Dearborn
we enjoyed a presentation about nancial planning strategies.
In addition, we held our annual holiday party, enjoyed Dearborn Alumnae Chapter (MI) has had a
an afternoon of pumpkin carving, and helped to feed the wonderful year! Our casual group of sisters
homeless at a church. This was a great experience for all. enjoys visiting at restaurants. This year, we are
In the Spring, we’ll gather for an afternoon of desserts and focusing on membership recruitment with extra
preparing toiletry bags for a local women’s homeless shelter, time being allotted to personal contacts and a
and we will celebrate Founders’ Day with several local chapters. series of sweet informal get-togethers, including
local charity activities as we continue to build
Massachusetts our service and sisterhood. Sisters are welcome
Boston to stop by for a visit, anytime! Please see what is
ahead at: www.Facebook.com/Alpha Omicron
We have had another great year in Boston, Pi - Dearborn Area Sisters (MI) and contact us at
using our time wisely! Our members have [email protected].
enjoyed classes on ower arranging and holiday
card crafting, our annual holiday cookie swap, North Carolina
and the introduction of our Movie and Dinner
Clubs. We have a record number of “First Year’s Charlotte
On Us” members and they are a wonderful
addition to our chapter. The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter has had a great start
to the year! We started o with a get together at a
member’s home, volunteered our time for a local
food bank, and caught up over cocktails! We also held
our fall fund raiser, which was selling City Pass Books!
This spring we are planning for a night of Ritual,
Founders’ Day, pottery painting and a baseball game.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 Ann Arbor Alumnae at their Holiday Card making party for Operation Holiday Cards.

To Dragma • 59

AlumnaeNews

Ohio

New York Dayton

Buffalo The Dayton Alumnae Chapter has had a wonderful year of activities.
Speakers have educated us on antiques, genealogy, kitchen/cooking tips,
Recapping last year, we had a wonderful and we enjoyed a guided tour of one of Dayton’s historic districts. We
time at Founders’ Day, followed by our enjoyed time getting to know the collegians from Dayton at a Mother/
Daughter tea over Christmas break. The Dayton AOII team was one of the
rst annual Strike Out Arthritis! bowlathon, featured honorees at the Dayton Jingle Bell Run/Walk in December. This
which was a HUGE success.We entered spring, we will put together about 70 lled Easter baskets to donate to a
April experiencing Ritual, hosting a potluck local ministry.
event, holding elections and planning for
next year.We visited with fellow sisters who Ontario
had moved out of town, for a “We MissYou”
party then enjoyed a “Trash to Treasure” Ottawa
event at our favorite local restaurant.We also
enjoyed many great events with our local We are really pleased about the new AOII structure, and the opportunities for
Alumnae Panhellenic. connecting with AOII sisters in our network. We are also looking forward
to spending time with sisters during our second AOII Northeast Weekend!
New York/New Jersey Metro In the Spring, we held a joint spring luncheon with the Montreal Alumnae
Chapter, meeting at a delightful restaurant & spa that was half way between
We want to thank all the chapters who Ottawa and Montreal. This is an activity we will de nitely repeat in the future.
sent us cards and messages for our 25th We continue to work closely with Gamma Chi Chapter, sharing Founders’
anniversary celebration last April 2010. Day and other events.
We were also very excited to be joined by
Executive Board member, Karen Snyder Oklahoma
Galehan. Karen made our day even
better than we could have hoped for. We Oklahoma City/Metro Area
celebrated our Ritual and presented 25-year
member pins to quali ed members. This We are very proud to be a rst-year alumnae chapter for AOII.As you can
was the highlight of our chapter’s year - not imagine, there are many challenges in starting a new organization, but each of
only because of the special milestone, but our 40+ members are ready for the challenge! Working with the President, our
because we did it together. It is so easy to o cers have formed various committees relating to di erent AC goals for each
get caught up in the daily trials we all face as member to serve on, in the hopes to have members involved in the process of
women. This was a nice “time out” from all building and creating traditions for generations of AOIIs to come.We feel it is
of that. Thanks again to all who made our proving to be a wonderful time in our young chapter’s history.
event special.

Pennsylvania South Carolina

Philadelphia Greater Greenville

A new and enthusiastic group of o cers and an exciting schedule The year began and ended with us re-organizing
of events were the foundations for the start of our 92nd year of the chapter and meeting monthly to celebrate our
sisterhood. New events such as a Cookie & Cupcake Decorating sisterhood. Using service as our key, we helped
Party and Spontaneous Sisterhood gatherings at local co ee houses, the chapter with their successful Crab Crawl to
along with tried and true favorites like the Holiday Party and support philanthropy. We also made quarterly
Founders’ Day Luncheon all proved popular for bringing our local donations to our local philanthropy, Pitt County
alumnae together this year. We are excited about continuing to Animal Shelter; sent Sunshine gifts to a sister
cement our chapter’s relationship with our collegiate sisters at St. undergoing serious medical issues; and assisted
Joseph’s (Sigma Beta) while also nding time to support to our in our local Relay for Life. Most importantly,
favorite philanthropic organizations. we have reconnected with lost sisters and forged
strong bonds with others.Throughout the year, we

nd time to enjoy time with our sisters with pot
luck suppers, wine tastings, book club meetings
and a fun Chinese Christmas party.

60 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

Greater Pinellas Alumnae Chapter (GPAC) of Alpha Omicron Pi has two lunch bunch groups each
meeting once per month. Shown here are some of the Clearwater group: left to right - Kathy
Fink, Nancy Woitas, Helen Kurtz, Gay Gentry, Margot McBath, Ruth McKeown, and Lois Page.

Texas Washington

Dallas Seattle

We have had a great year! We kicked the The Seattle Alumnae Chapter has participated in a number of activities this
year o with a casual meet ‘n greet and year. A few women were part of the Seattle Panhellenic team in the American
have also enjoyed our time participating Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. During the summer, we went to a Seattle
in our annual Make It, Bake It fund raiser. Mariners baseball game with members from Alpha Gamma. We had a terri c
One highlight of the year so far was having family picnic in early fall as well as a wine tasting event. Later alumnae
our Network Specialist, Rene Fitzgerald, supported the Bellevue Arthritis Walk by donating food and our time to hand
speak at our Founders’ Day luncheon. If out treats to event participants. Our weekday lunch group continues to be a
you live in the Dallas area, we would love popular monthly social event and we held a successful Founders’ Day lunch in
to have you come check us out. For more January. Join us for the fun times we have planned for the rest of the year.
information about our activities, email us at
[email protected].

Virginia Wisconsin

Greater Harrisburg Madison Area

Harrisburg alumnae members are looking forward to For several years the Madison and Milwaukee,
another exciting year of fun activities. We kicked o the Wisconsin ACs have shared Founders’ Day
year with a Ritual meeting while introducing our new together. The event includes time for great food
facebook group and website at aoiihbg.com. In December, and conversation, a guest speaker,AOII Trivia,
we honored our Founders and the ideals of AOII with and a Stamp Out Arthritis! gift basket-ra e. The
our local collegians from Shippensburg University. We’re themed baskets are donated by members, and all
looking forward to the spring when we will take time out money earned from the ra e is donated to the
for a Wine and Tapas Social, Crafters Day, Miniature Golf Arthritis Foundation. Founders’ Day has been so
Tournament with collegiate sisters, and a barbecue. Our successful that this year’s celebration will be held
chapter emphasizes philanthropy by participating in our local in Oshkosh, adding the Green Bay/Fox Cities
Arthritis Walk and collecting donations for a local shelter. AC. We invite any alumnae in Wisconsin to join
us for this celebration.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 61

In Your Own Words
In Your Own Words is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions
with other AOIIs, as well as an opportunity to be a published author.
The topics will be announced in the magazine and on the AOII website,
and the winning entries will appear in the following issue. Thanks to
everyone who accepted our “AOII in Six-Words” challenge.
Hope you enjoy the winning submissions as much as we did.

62 • To Dragma My Kappa Kappa sister, Patricia May
Usher Hoober, was my best friend. Together,
we snorkled the Great Barrier Reef in
Australia, enjoyed High Tea in Scotland,
and marveled at the Grand Canyon. She

passed away on Sept. 26, 2010
and I will forever miss her!
I enclosed a note in her
casket that read Sister by
Birth,Sisters by Choice.”

“Four years ago my step father passed from complications of
Alzheimer’s, leaving my mom alone. She took the opportunity
to become Lambda Beta’s House Mother. She replied,
“It saved my life” when she met Ginger Banks and was asked
how she was enjoying it.”

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

YIn our Own Words

For the Fall 2011 issue, we are accepting
submissions for your best AOII collegiate memory.
In 75 words or less, describe a touching, funny,
exciting or celebratory moment that
you will cherish for a lifetime.

Submit articles by email to To Dragma • 63
[email protected] by
July 1, 2011. Include your full name,
chapter, telephone number and email
address in your email submission.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

With grateful appreciation, AOII recognizes the

following members who joined Life Loyal between
Dec. 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011.

Alpha Delta Beta Zeta Delta Sigma Kappa Omicron Nu Omicron

Lea Rae Custard Gaines Skye Wood Janet Sleipness Espersen Laura Fogarty Madeline Davis
Patricia Creel Terry Jessica Ingalls Katherine Louise Huddleston
Chi Kappa Pi Dallas Jessup
Alpha Lambda Delta Theta Michelle Olin
Wynn Baker Cook Joan Pais Gardiner Diane Moore Williams
Samantha Cohen Erin O’Brien Barbara Miller
Erin Graybill Ellis Chi Lambda Rachael Anderson Peters Omega
Donna Jaeger Woodard Kappa Rho
Alpha Omicron Cathy Coleman Johnson Meredith Jones Galeano
Shandli White Delta Upsilon Leslie Markle Hargett
Celeste Rordam Spann KatrinaVan Blaricom Jensen Omega Upsilon
Delta Julia Whitaker Peterson Linda Munro
Alpha Phi Rachel Foster
Alexandra Haruben Delta Xi Kappa Tau
Jackie Hill Katie Riker Omicron
Jamie Thompson Amanda Marie Rupp Genny May
Alpha Rho Brenta Glascock Davis
Delta Delta Epsilon Chi Lambda Beta Mandy Doyle
Barbara Bierer Long Kandyce Morgan Harber
Frances Barber Laura Anderson Elizabeth Craig Amundson
Alpha Tau Aarika Boggs Phi Beta
OdetteYeager Eta Lambda Eta
Dottie Hinegardner Andress Amanda Edmunds
Betty Francis Sodemann Christine Brown
Alpha Theta Delta Lambda Phi Delta
Gamma Delta Lambda Iota
Steph Deterding Kristen Guest Karen Morauski
Sarah Hennig Jane Lee Widroe Theresa Palabrica
Beta Gamma Delta Omega Abby Smith
Lambda Sigma Pi Delta
Kathryn Cross Mary Matarazzo Bryant Gamma Theta
Sandra Woodward Spalding Jacqueline Childers Nancy Nocella White
Beta Phi Leslie Boydstun Karen Wilson Lavender
Delta Rho Jessica Ellis Pi Theta
Morgan Davis Annalise Sinclair Lambda Tau
Stephanie Mete ToriVolpi Michelle Franco-Birriel
Carole Copeland
Iota Rho Beta
Mu Lambda
Paulette Thomas Cheek Laura Bennett
Marcia Roitman Chelsea Cutchens
Rho Omicron
Kappa Alpha Nu Beta
Jenni Bewley
Erika Humphrey Kelsey Durocher Brittany Crockett
Karen Rickard Welch
Nu Iota Sigma
Kappa Chi
Ardeen Weil Hoke Katie McCray
Jessica Akin Manotas
Nu Lambda Sigma Alpha
Kappa Kappa
Janie Kesling Crawford Caroline Morris
Sandra Cox Bettner Carolyn Haase Mayes
Elizabeth Burkholder Sigma Beta
Dorothy Cormier Schath
Courtney Waddle

Sigma Delta

Amy Netherland

Sigma Lambda We are Life Loyal

Miriam Simmons Life Loyal AOII Members, AOII International Headquarters Staff

Sigma Omicron Front Row: Mandy Doyle, Meghan Granito, Lindsay Lundergan, Sheila Fischer,
Jaclyn Walters, Brittany Crockett. Middle Row: Rachel Boison, Sherry Dutton,
Phyllis Forrest
Cydney Elslander Smith Jackie Lynch, Jodie Hassall, Veronica Kentish, Kaya Miller. Back Row:
Amanda Smith, Jackie Hill, Lee Boone, Mariellen Sasseen, Whitney Frazier,
Tau
Abby Mason, Troy LeForge, Amanda Newell.
Sara Reid (not shown Carrie Youell and Courtney Dillard)
Diane Weber Stallings
As AOIIs, we are so proud of the promises we share with our Fraternity.
Tau Delta Included in these promises is our lifelong commitment to AOII. For those
initiated members serving the Fraternity as Headquarters Staff members, we
Sarah Parkinson
have the unique opportunity to fulfill that promise as our work becomes
Tau Omicron entwined with our sisterhood. We are passionate about building a future for
AOII. Because of this passion, all of the initiated members of AOII Headquarters
Annette Crawford McKerley Staff have pledged together to support the traditions of the Fraternity through
membership in the Life Loyal AOII program. Regardless of where you work,
Theta
Alpha Omicron Pi is a part of your past, present and future.
Diana Elston
Will you join us in fulfilling your promise of lifelong commitment
Theta Omega by becoming a member of Life Loyal AOII today?

Nanette Brubaker Tewksbury

Theta Pi

Ruth Healy Furhovden
Christine Fleming Mahon

Theta Psi

Laura Cardwell
Susan Smith Dunmead

Upsilon Alpha

Carole Haines Smith

Xi

Liz Arnaud
Corrie Hermans

Xi Omicron

Alyssa Bennett

Zeta

Maryclare Dodson Jacobsen
Janice Wagner West

Zeta Psi

Barbara McGirt Arbegast
Tracy McLendon

WTheinLgosve

Cross Body Shoulder bags Colgate Wisps

Tired of your purse slipping off your shoulder? One of What a super convenient product! These
the year’s trendy items happens to be an oh, so practical pocket-sized toothbrushes let you brush
one, too. The one-shoulder bag helps keep your purse
safe and your hands free for more important things like anywhere! Each brush is
carrying your books or your child. individually foil-sealed and

has bristles and a freshening
bead on one end and a
pick on the other.

No rinsing is required so
it’s perfect for on the

go freshness.

66 • To Dragma Ice Cream Trucks

One of the great sounds of summer
has got to be Pop Goes the Weasel
blaring from the speaker of the
neighborhood ice cream truck. It

sends kids screaming to their
parents for money to buy their
favorite popsicle or ice cream
bars. While we vary on what
item we would choose, we are
all in agreement that the ice
cream man helps ring in the
summer like no other!

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

Vidration Toning Shoes

It’s not the only vitamin Toning shoes, such as these Reebok Easytones and
enhanced water on the New Balance True Balance, are the fastest growing
market, but it sure is a tasty segment in the footwear market. We don’t know
way to stay hydrated. Each
flavor packs a healthy punch how accurate the claims are for improving
in a sharp shaped bottle. our health and body image, but we
And unlike a lot of it’s do know they are comfortable
competitors, these contain
zero calories. Yum! - and comfortable feet
love to walk!

On the Web

Vacation Rentals By Owner

Those of us who have tried vrbo.com swear by it. VRBO.com
provides online space for homeowners to advertise their vacation
properties and make it easy for travelers to find a vacation
destination. Whether you want to rent a condo on the beach,
a cabin in the mountains or a home in the desert, over 150,000
rentals in over 100 countries worldwide are available.

renttherunway.com To Dragma • 67

Featured in InStyle, Glamour, The New
York Times and many others, this money
saving trend is a girl’s dream come true.
For a reasonable price, you can select a
dress online and have it delivered to your
doorstep for a reasonable rental instead of
purchasing one. They even send you the
same dress in the next size for free, just in

case. That’s a guaranteed winner!

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

Over one hundred fourteen years ago,

stella george stern perry gave voice to the dream,
the vision, and the wish we all share today.

Stella’s wish for AOII then remains AOII’s wish for our members today: “May you have the joy in it all, dear children,
that we have had all the way! May you love one another as happily always as we four have done in a life-long fellowship
without a break! And may your descendants in Alpha Omicron Pi bring to you the glory that you yourselves are to us today!”

In 2008, AOII leaders identi ed the needs and opportunities facing the Fraternity and began a series of steps in careful
preparation for a capital funds campaign. AOII leaders have identi ed speci c programs and initiatives in support of our
Fraternity and our sisterhood. The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a major
capital campaign known as Stella’s Wish.

68 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

The programs and initiatives funded by this campaign are as follows:

• To Increase Alumnae Engagement, Training and Development
• To Permanently Establish the Educational Leadership Consultant Program
• To Expand AOII’s Scholarship Program
• To Enhance the Value of International Convention and Leadership Institute
• To Support Technology Upgrades and Historical Archives

Our goal is to raise $3 million for both immediate and long- Barbara Daugs Hunt, Past International President and Past
term financial support. Reaching this goal will allow the President of the AOII Foundation, serving as the Campaign
Foundation to underwrite important new and expanding Chair says, “The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation inspires
programs within AOII. It will provide leadership development new generations of sisters which helps Secure the Future of
to assist our current and future leaders and will support the the Fraternity. At a time of unprecedented change, we are
strengthening of our Fraternity at every level. committed to investing in programs that are relevant to
today’s issues.”
A prominent International Campaign Committee (ICC) has
been established to provide planning, oversight and inspiration Over the next 18 months, the International Campaign
for the campaign. The ICC met in February 2011 during Committee will be hosting informational dinners and
Leadership Academy to receive training on the programs and meetings in over a dozen cities and areas throughout North
initiatives of Stella’s Wish. ICC members will be meeting with America to enlist the endorsement and support of our
alumnae across North America to discuss individual giving dedicated alumnae members. Detailed announcements will be
opportunities. The leadership of AOII is committed to this made throughout the campaign as we mark each milestone.
campaign and each member has personally pledged a financial
commitment with advance gifts to Stella’s Wish.

Campaign Leadership

Chairperson Cabinet Krista Malmquist Whipple
Mary McCammon Williams
Barbara Daugs Hunt Anne Staunton Adams
Linda Schwartz Grandolfo Frankie Frazier Nordlund
Lisa Niedenthal Kelly O’Dwyer-Manuel
Koren Phillips
International Campaign Committee Janet Siegel
Marjorie Stevens
Allison Allgier Jacquelyn Struble Dinwiddie Carol Miller Stevenson
Phyllis Austin Angela Fried Djedjos Joyce Bryan Strout
Ginger Banks Michelle Finley Cynthia Swartzfager Visot
Rosalie Gorham Barber Kathryn Tribbey Fitzgerald Dian Poole Volkmer
Mary Matarazzo Bryant Rene Strong Fitzgerald Sally Wagaman
Blanche Franklin Chilcote Gayle Fitzpatrick Jessie Wang-Grimm
Elizabeth Romine Coffey Karen Snyder Galehan Barbara Dunn Zipperian
Linda Peters Collier Martha Leonard Harrison
Crystal Grafton Combs Carole Jurenko Jones
Louanne Watson Condreay Melinda Kelly
Kathleen Conver Caroline Craig Lazzara
Peg Kramer Crawford Troylyn Johnson LeForge
Susan Danko Joan Deathe MacCallum
Tamee Dark Antonia Flowers Morgan

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 69

Foundation Focus

Support of the AOII Foundation can begin with a contribution Helen St. Clair Mullan Elizabeth Heywood Wyman
of any amount. Each and every gift is both meaningful and $100 - 249 annually $250 - 499 annually
appreciated as the Foundation continues to help “Secure the
Future” of Alpha Omicron Pi. A newly established annual giving Jesse Wallace Hughan Stella George Stern Perry
club, Founders’ Footsteps, recognizes donor gifts of $100-$999 $500 - 749 annually $750 - 999 annually
made between July 1st and June 30th of each fiscal year.

Founders’ Footsteps has four levels of giving which include: Helen
St. Clair Mullan ($100-$249 annually); Elizabeth Heywood Wyman
($250-$499 annually); Jessie Wallace Hughan ($500-$749 annually);
and Stella George Stern Perry ($750-$999 annually). These four
levels of giving allow donors the ability to gradually increase
their gifts over a period of time while still remaining a member of
Founders’ Footsteps. Members of Founders’ Footsteps will be
recognized in the 2010-2011 Annual Report.

Interested in becoming a monthly donor of the Foundation?
The Gift Express program is quick and easy! It allows you to sign up
for monthly bank draft or monthly credit card gifts in a few simple
steps. Visit the AOII Foundation website at www.aoiifoundation.org
and click on “donate” to download one of the Gift Express forms.

With a monthly gift of only $9 you can become a member of
Founders’ Footsteps! EVERY gift to the Foundation makes a
difference. Walk in our Founders’ Footsteps by making your
gift today!

The Arthritis Walk has become a longstanding tradition and
philanthropic project in which AOII chapters and members
participate. It’s the time of year for thousands of AOIIs across
the country to once again join together and participate in
an Arthritis Walk in support of the Arthritis Foundation. This
year, we’ve made it even easier to participate!

All donations that are collected for the Arthritis Walk can be
sent directly to the Arthritis Foundation through its website
or your local chapter.

How does this work? When registering for the event, register under “TEAM AOII NATIONAL,” and include your
AOII chapter in your team name (for example: AOII Dallas Area Alumnae Chapter).

By completing the Arthritis Walk and Jingle Bell Run Event Reporting Form your chapter will receive
recognition at International Convention and Leadership Institute. Make sure to visit the Foundation website at
www.aoiifoundation.org to download a copy of the form. All forms must be submitted by May 13, 2011 for events
that occurred on or after July 1, 2010.

To register for a walk in your area, visit the Arthritis Foundation’s website at www.letsmovetogether.org. AOII and
its members are committed to curing the world of arthritis and arthritis-related diseases—one step at a time!

70 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

The AOII Foundation continues to be on the hunt for “lost” sisters through the I Spy an AOII program.
With over 37,000 alumnae marked as lost in our database, there are a number of women who are not
currently connected to AOII. These women are your pledge sisters, your friends, and your neighbors.
We need your help to reconnect with them. Since the program’s kick-o in August 2010, over 6,000
women have been reconnected with AOII. Our goal is to “ nd” 10,000 “lost” sisters by International
Convention in June. And we need your help!

Go through your address books, e-mail databases, holiday card lists, and social
media accounts to see if you have information on any of these sisters. The I Spy
an AOII list can be downloaded by visiting the Foundation website at www.
aoiifoundation.org. Please include the name, chapter and initiation year of the
“lost” sister when sending new contact information. For every update that you
are able to provide, your name will be entered into the final drawing for an AOII
Signature Necklace, which will happen at International Convention!

Helping nd “lost” sisters is easy—just ask AOII’s Executive Board Vice President, Kathy Jensen. As an
avid member of AOII’s one red team, Kathy led by example when she took the initiative to look up her
Theta Omega (Northern Arizona U) sisters on the Foundation’s I Spy an AOII list. Much to Kathy’s
surprise, she saw Jeane Chumbler Ellis, her rst AOII mentor. Kathy credits Jeane with recruiting her to
AOII after two years of sharing her stories and experiences.

One might think that a ten year lapse in communication due to relocations and name changes might
spell out a long road of searching, but Kathy was fortunate from the beginning. Kathy simply started her
search on whitepages.com in Jeane’s last known state of residence using combinations of her maiden and
married names. One message left on a home answering machine later, Jeane actually returned Kathy’s
call. As Kathy says, “we picked up right where we left o .”

“It has been great!” she continues. “There have been lots of tears on the phone!” Kathy and Jeane will
have a much-anticipated and memorable reunion at AOII’s International Convention in Tucson, Arizona
this June. Stories similar to Kathy and Jeane’s can be told over and over again—in areas across North
America and by hundreds and thousands of AOII sisters. Do you have a sister with whom you’ve lost
touch? Take a few minutes to I Spy an AOII!

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 71

EmApOoPrium

72 • To Dragma Shop online, by phone or
in person from the AOII
Emporium! Order Today from
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Issue no. 2• Spring 2011

E183 121B

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E183 “You picked the right one, baby” T-shirt. To Dragma • 73
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71S Sisterhood Frame. Rectangular frame with
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011

E142

178 E212

29A 193
70L
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178 Heritage Alumna Tee w/ screen print picture on back.
Unisex sizes S(2-4), M(6-8), L(10-12), XL(14-16) $18.00
212 Red Alumna V-Neck w/ white embroidery. Ladies sizes
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193 Mullan White Long Sleeve Letter Tee w/ lime green
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24B Alumna License Frame. Heavyweight chrome. $12.00
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70L Alumna Key Ring. Tiffany Style. Silver-plated. $12.50
112 Girl’s Panda Tee w/ embroidery. Sizes 2,4,6. $15.00
Black Sports Tank. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. $23.00

74 • To Dragma 24B aoiiemporium.com

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Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2010

112

Don´ t forget about t he
newest AOII Alumna in your life!

Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2010 To Dragma • 75

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We are
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LIFELOYAgLr.oO.RlaGyolefil Life Loyal AOII Members, AOII International Headquarters Staff